Key Votes

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Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes:

  1. The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
  2. The vote should be clear for any person to understand
  3. The vote has received media attention
  4. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
  5. Occasionally, if a specific bill is consistently inquired about on the Voter's Research Hotline, the vote will be added

Vote Smart provides a summary of the version of the bill text associated with each selected key vote. Our summaries are written by Vote Smart's staff and interns, who adhere to our strict policies and procedures in order to guarantee absolute impartiality and accuracy. They do not necessarily reflect the content of the final version of the bill, but rather the version voted on in that stage. While many procedural votes take place before a full chamber vote, our voting stages reflect the final reading of each chamber vote. Each key vote selection is reviewed by the project's community of advisors, who are political scientists and journalists from all fifty states.

For more information about the legislative process, see here.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
May 24, 2012 IL SB 2840 Limits Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (94 - 22)
May 16, 2012 MD SB 1302 Increases Tax Rates for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (77 - 60)
May 15, 2012 LA HB 380 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (65 - 26)
May 9, 2012 National H Amdt 1096 Prohibits Use of Funds in Contravention with the Defense of Marriage Act Amendment Adopted - House (245 - 171)
April 27, 2012 TN SB 3310 Requires Abstinence-Centered Sex Education in Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
April 25, 2012 TN HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - House (68 - 30)
April 20, 2012 CT HB 5312 Authorizes Day Care and Personal Care Workers to Join Unions Bill Passed - House (84 - 57)
April 10, 2012 MS SB 2771 Expands Penalties for Child Homicide Bill Passed - House (83 - 34)
April 5, 2012 MD HB 373 Raises the Dropout Age for Public School Students Bill Passed - House (88 - 49)
March 29, 2012 GA HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 56)
March 29, 2012 IL HB 5531 Limits Tuition Waivers for State University Employees Bill Failed - House (26 - 75)
March 29, 2012 SC H 4894 Authorizes Income Tax Credit for Tuition Payments Bill Passed - House (62 - 38)
March 21, 2012 NH HB 437 Repeals Same-Sex Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (211 - 116)
March 20, 2012 ID H 486 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
March 19, 2012 CO HB 1271 Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
March 14, 2012 NH HB 1264 Authorizes Individuals to Refuse to Provide Services for Marriages "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (246 - 85)
March 13, 2012 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
March 1, 2012 SD SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Motion Agreed - House (39 - 25)
March 1, 2012 AZ HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - House (38 - 17)
Feb. 28, 2012 SD H Amdt 141 Defining Domestic Abuse as Abuse Witihin an Opposite-Sex Relationship Amendment Adopted - House (35 - 33)
Feb. 28, 2012 SD SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
Feb. 28, 2012 UT HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
Feb. 28, 2012 UT HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
Feb. 24, 2012 UT HB 198 Prohibits Regulation of Family Food Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 549 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - House (83 - 30)
Feb. 22, 2012 VA SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
Feb. 17, 2012 MD HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (72 - 67)
Feb. 16, 2012 NJ S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (42 - 33)
Feb. 8, 2012 WA SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 3, 2012 VA HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - House (46 - 23)
Dec. 14, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
Dec. 8, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Sept. 12, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 27)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - House (266 - 102)
June 15, 2011 NY A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - House (80 - 63)
June 9, 2011 TX SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
May 23, 2011 PA HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - House (178 - 20)
May 23, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - House (42 - 29)
May 21, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
May 19, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
May 12, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
May 9, 2011 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
May 9, 2011 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
April 27, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
April 27, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
April 14, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
March 9, 2011 MD Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
March 7, 2011 WA HB 1166 Preventing Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
March 7, 2011 UT 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
March 3, 2011 UT SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
March 2, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 28)
March 1, 2011 GA HB 279 Increased Age Requirement for Child Restraints Bill Passed - House (129 - 43)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 24, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - House (96 - 25)
Feb. 24, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - House (96 - 25)
Feb. 22, 2011 MT HB 456 Sexual Education in K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
Feb. 11, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - House (31 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2011 WY HB 256 Tenant Rights in Domestic and Sexual Violence Cases Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
Feb. 8, 2011 ND HB 1377 Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Failed - House (25 - 67)
Feb. 8, 2011 ND HB 1377 Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Failed - House (25 - 67)
Feb. 7, 2011 ID HJM 1 Parental Rights Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (49 - 20)
Feb. 7, 2011 ND HB 1307 Alcoholic Beverage Establishments Bill Passed - House (50 - 42)
Feb. 7, 2011 WY HB 198 Admissibility of Evidence in Sex Offense Cases Bill Failed - House (29 - 30)
Feb. 1, 2011 IA HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
Jan. 24, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
Dec. 15, 2010 National HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175)
Sept. 22, 2010 National HR 3470 Infant Mortality Pilot Programs Bill Passed - House (324 - 64)
Aug. 30, 2010 CA SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2010 CA SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
July 8, 2010 NC HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 8)
July 1, 2010 NY S 3890 Divorce Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (120 - 20)
July 1, 2010 NY S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
July 1, 2010 PA HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
June 29, 2010 PA HB 2189 Defining the Offense of Sexting Bill Passed - House (163 - 36)
June 28, 2010 NC HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
June 21, 2010 NJ A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 21)
June 16, 2010 LA HB 303 Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13)
June 2, 2010 OH SB 210 Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
June 1, 2010 CA AB 2244 Prohibiting the Denial of Health Care Coverage for Children with Preexisting Conditions Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
May 26, 2010 OH HB 473 Prohibits Inappropriate Pictures of Minors Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
May 13, 2010 LA HB 554 Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (63 - 20)
May 12, 2010 LA HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
May 6, 2010 IL SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - House (65 - 51)
May 4, 2010 CT HB 5423 Classroom Experiments and Dissections on Animals Bill Passed - House (81 - 67)
April 28, 2010 LA HB 1259 Prohibiting "Cyber-Bullying" Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
April 27, 2010 IL SB 615 Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act Bill Passed - House (73 - 41)
April 27, 2010 CT HB 5246 Domestic Violence Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (125 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/24 SB 2840 Limits Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (94 - 22)
5/16 SB 1302 Increases Tax Rates for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (77 - 60)
5/15 HB 380 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (65 - 26)
5/09 H Amdt 1096 Prohibits Use of Funds in Contravention with the Defense of Marriage Act Amendment Adopted - House (245 - 171)
4/27 SB 3310 Requires Abstinence-Centered Sex Education in Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
4/25 HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - House (68 - 30)
4/20 HB 5312 Authorizes Day Care and Personal Care Workers to Join Unions Bill Passed - House (84 - 57)
4/10 SB 2771 Expands Penalties for Child Homicide Bill Passed - House (83 - 34)
4/05 HB 373 Raises the Dropout Age for Public School Students Bill Passed - House (88 - 49)
3/29 HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 56)
3/29 HB 5531 Limits Tuition Waivers for State University Employees Bill Failed - House (26 - 75)
3/29 H 4894 Authorizes Income Tax Credit for Tuition Payments Bill Passed - House (62 - 38)
3/21 HB 437 Repeals Same-Sex Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (211 - 116)
3/20 H 486 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
3/19 HB 1271 Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
3/14 HB 1264 Authorizes Individuals to Refuse to Provide Services for Marriages "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (246 - 85)
3/13 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
3/01 SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Motion Agreed - House (39 - 25)
3/01 HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - House (38 - 17)
2/28 H Amdt 141 Defining Domestic Abuse as Abuse Witihin an Opposite-Sex Relationship Amendment Adopted - House (35 - 33)
2/28 SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
2/28 HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
2/28 HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
2/24 HB 198 Prohibits Regulation of Family Food Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
2/23 HB 549 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - House (83 - 30)
2/22 SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
2/17 HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (72 - 67)
2/16 S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (42 - 33)
2/08 SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/03 HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
1/09 A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - House (46 - 23)
12/14 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
12/08 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
9/12 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
9/09 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
9/06 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 27)
9/06 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/01 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
6/22 HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - House (266 - 102)
6/15 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - House (80 - 63)
6/09 SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
5/23 HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - House (178 - 20)
5/23 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - House (42 - 29)
5/21 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
5/19 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
5/12 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
5/09 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
5/09 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
4/27 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
4/27 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
4/14 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
3/09 Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
3/07 HB 1166 Preventing Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
3/07 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
3/03 SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
3/02 HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 28)
3/01 HB 279 Increased Age Requirement for Child Restraints Bill Passed - House (129 - 43)
2/28 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/28 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/24 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - House (96 - 25)
2/24 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - House (96 - 25)
2/22 HB 456 Sexual Education in K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
2/11 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - House (31 - 19)
2/09 HB 256 Tenant Rights in Domestic and Sexual Violence Cases Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
2/08 HB 1377 Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Failed - House (25 - 67)
2/08 HB 1377 Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Failed - House (25 - 67)
2/07 HJM 1 Parental Rights Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (49 - 20)
2/07 HB 1307 Alcoholic Beverage Establishments Bill Passed - House (50 - 42)
2/07 HB 198 Admissibility of Evidence in Sex Offense Cases Bill Failed - House (29 - 30)
2/01 HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
1/24 HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
12/15 HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175)
9/22 HR 3470 Infant Mortality Pilot Programs Bill Passed - House (324 - 64)
8/30 SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
8/30 SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
7/08 HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 8)
7/01 S 3890 Divorce Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (120 - 20)
7/01 S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
7/01 HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
6/29 HB 2189 Defining the Offense of Sexting Bill Passed - House (163 - 36)
6/28 HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
6/21 A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 21)
6/16 HB 303 Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13)
6/02 SB 210 Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
6/01 AB 2244 Prohibiting the Denial of Health Care Coverage for Children with Preexisting Conditions Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
5/26 HB 473 Prohibits Inappropriate Pictures of Minors Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
5/13 HB 554 Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (63 - 20)
5/12 HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
5/06 SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - House (65 - 51)
5/04 HB 5423 Classroom Experiments and Dissections on Animals Bill Passed - House (81 - 67)
4/28 HB 1259 Prohibiting "Cyber-Bullying" Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
4/27 SB 615 Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act Bill Passed - House (73 - 41)
4/27 HB 5246 Domestic Violence Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (125 - 19)

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